§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury, whether he could give the terms or consideration on which the concession of 64,000 acres of native lands were granted to Captain E. S. Grogan, by the Acting Commissioner of the East African Protectorate in 1904; whether the terms of the grant have been fully complied with; and if not, will he explain why this has not been done
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Master of Elibank)The agreement provided for the payment by the tenant of a yearly rental of 2,000 rupees and of a royalty for every tree felled. The rent was to be deducted from any sum payable as royalty, provided that in no case should a less sum than 2,000 rupees be paid by the tenant in each year. The tenant was to fell and utilise, sell or export at least 1,000 trees in every year. The terms of the grant have not 1135 been fully complied with. The tenant maintains that this is due to circumstances beyond his control, and that the Government are not free from responsibility for his failure to comply with the terms of the agreement. The Government are unable to admit this contention, and have instituted proceedings for the cancellation of the agreement.